Cristiano Ronaldo’s night went from frustrating to disastrous as Ireland shocked Portugal with a ruthless 2–0 win in a fiery World Cup qualifier.
Portugal walked into the game knowing victory would seal their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Instead, they walked out stunned, beaten, and forced to wait.
Troy Parrott was the hero under the Dublin lights. The former Tottenham forward nodded in the opener after 15 minutes, catching Portugal cold with a sharp close-range header.
But he wasn’t done. Ireland kept their foot on the gas and Parrott struck again just before half-time, doubling the lead and sending the stadium into chaos.
Portugal tried to push back, but the comeback attempt collapsed when Ronaldo saw red. The striker swung an elbow at Dara O’Shea off the ball. The referee initially booked him, but VAR intervened and upgraded it to a straight dismissal.
With their talisman gone, Portugal never recovered. Martinez’s side ran out of ideas, and Ireland held firm to complete a statement win.
Now Portugal must beat Armenia on Sunday to secure qualification. Ireland, meanwhile, face Hungary knowing three points would lock in at least second place in the group.
On a dramatic night in Dublin, Ireland rose. Portugal faltered. And the Al Nassr captain’s flash of frustration may haunt their qualifying run just a little longer.
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